targe

A knight holds a targe in his left hand.

Definition

Noun: A "targe" is a small, light shield, typically round, used historically by infantry and cavalry, especially in medieval Scotland and Northern Europe.

Usage Examples

• (A small shield used for protection.)
• (A reproduction of a small round shield.)

Advanced Usage

• "to bear a targe": to carry or use a small shield in combat.

  • The knight bore a targe adorned with his family crest. (He carried a shield with a decorative emblem.)

• "targe in hand": a phrase describing readiness for battle or defense.

  • With targe in hand, the soldier advanced toward the enemy line. (Prepared for combat with a shield.)

Variants and Related Words

• Target (n): a mark or goal; historically derived from "targe" as a shield used as a target for practice.

  • He aimed his arrow at the wooden target. (A mark to shoot at.)

• Targe (adj, rare): relating to or resembling a small shield.

  • The targe shape of the brooch was unusual. (Shield-like in form.)

Synonyms

• Buckler: a small round shield, often held in one hand.
• Shield: a broad piece of armor carried for protection.
• Rondache: a small round shield used in medieval Europe.

Related Idioms

• "To targe up" (archaic): to equip or arm oneself with a shield.

  • The soldiers targed up before the siege. (They prepared their shields for battle.)

• "Targe and spear": a phrase symbolizing traditional infantry equipment.

  • He was armed with targe and spear, ready for the charge. (Equipped with a shield and a thrusting weapon.)